Horam & Vines Cross Village Diary

HORAM & VINES CROSS VILLAGE DIARY

WHATS ON IN THE COMMUNITY

CROSSWAYS COFFEE MORNING

Wednesday 1st March 10am - 12 noon at Christchurch, Horebeech Lane, Horam.

EVERYONE WILL BE MADE WECOME INCLUDING CHILDREN.

Meet with friends, make new friends and enjoy good coffee/tea and homemade cake. We meet the first Wednesday of every month, everybody is welcome.

We shall look forward to seeing all.

MEMBERS OF CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HEATHFIELD & DISTRICT ARE OFFERING THESE

“WARM WELCOME SPACES”

CHRIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP EASTER SERVICE

Meets on Tuesday 28th March at 2pm.

Our speaker is PJ Guy.

The meeting will be followed by afternoon tea.

Please come and join us at Christ Church, Horebeech Lane, Horam.

CHERRY TREE COURT WELCOMES YOU ALL.

THROUGH THE WINTER OF 2022/2023 free hot drinks, sometimes soup, cake or pudding and activities. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy these facilities.

MONDAYS

St. Bartholomew’s Church, Cross in Hand in the new ‘Alleluia Room’ from 10.00am to 4.00pm every Monday from December 5 th (excluding Boxing Day December 26 th) – hot drinks, lunch and activities.

Welcome Baptist Church from 1.00pm to 4.00pm from January to March (and possibly other afternoons if needed).

St. Bartholomew’s Church Burwash “3Cs” – 10.00am to 12.00, Cake Coffee and Chat.

TUESDAYS

Union Church “Tuesdays Together” in the Church Hall from 2.00pm. to 4.00pm on alternate Tuesdays (alternating with the Lunch Club). A time of laughter puzzles and quizzes .

A warm welcome awaits you.

Every Monday we hold a bingo and raffle evening, join us from 6pm for a 6:30pm start.

Every Friday we gather for a coffee morning from 10:30am.

We look forward to seeing you!

Find us opposite Horam Chapel.

Services for March:

Sun 5th 10.30am Family Communion

(with creche & children’s groups yrs1-6)

Sun 12th 10.30am Family Worship

(with creche & children’s groups yrs1-6)

Sun 19th 10.00am Together@10Church for Everyone

(please see information elsewhere in the Diary)

Sun 26th 10.30am Family Worship

(with creche & children’s groups yrs1-6)

An audio copy of the Sunday morning reading & sermon is available on our website within 24hrs of each service.

Other Activities:

Crossways - drop-in for refreshments & chat (Wed 10.00-12.00 - 01/03/23)

Bible Study - Growth Groups

Jumping Beans - Parent & Toddler Group (term-time -Thursdays 10.00-11.30)

Fellowship Group (Tuesday 28th March at 2.00pm)

Supporting Horam Christian Care Group

Christianity Explored Course - Starting soon! Please contact the Vicar if you are interested.

If you’d like the opportunity of talking with someone, or if you’d like us to pray for or with you, please do make contact with us:

Vicar: Revd PJ Guy 01435 813372 vicar@christchurchhoram.org

Warden: Maryanne Ford 01435 817769

Helen Clement 01435 813385 www.christchurchhoram.org

Jumping Beans

A group for 0-3s and their carers

Term-time: Thursdays 10.00am-11.30am (50p per morning)

Horebeech Lane

Horam TN21 0DT

LARGE and SMALL TOYS + SINGING REFRESHMENTS + FRIENDSHIP

www.christchurchhoram.org

WELL-BEING

PODIATRIST & CHIROPODIST

13 years specialist wound care NHS experience.

All aspects of podiatry & chiropody including:

Toenail cutting * Ingrowing toenails

Corns & calluses * Cracked heels

Athlete's foot * Verrucae therapies

Foot pain * Insoles & orthotics

Diabetic footcare & assessment

Appointments at the address formerly known as Horam Natural Therapy Centre and home visits available.

Mara Ragaiolo BSC (Hons) Podiatry. HCPC registered and member of the College of Podiatry.

Mob: 077031 56799

Horam Natural Therapy Centre, High Street, Horam, TN21 0EL.

Chimney Sweep

Sadly, due to Victorian health & safety regulations, only children of under 14” shoulder measurement may be employed.

A Clean Sweep - your local chimney sweep

Make sure your fireplace is safe with a professional sweep.

• All types of residential chimneys swept.

• Wood & multi-fuel stoves cleaned and serviced.

• Inspection & preparation of all chimneys for stove installation.

• Bird guards & cowls fitted.

• RSPB nominated bird removal man for East Sussex.

• Smoke test & certification for every sweep.

• Member of Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps (APICS).

• Now certified woodburner installer.

Ross Atabey on 01435 812153/07941 315214

Email: acleansweep009@gmail.com

acleansweephoram

MARIA SMITH SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPY

How can sports massage help you?

-relieves tension

-improves circulation

-enhances wellbeing

-eases sore/tight muscles

-improves joint mobility

-increase flexibility & range of motion

Fully air conditioned studio in Horam or mobile service available.

Appointments: 1 hour = £40 45 minutes = £35

Each massage caters for your needs – relax and unwind!

Tel: 07786 220179

Email: mariasmassage21@gmail.com

Website: mariasmassage.co.uk

Pilates Classes in Horam

Exercising in a relaxed atmosphere enjoying the fun that exercise produces through the release of endorphins.

Please book your space with Nancy on 07881 941360 or email at nancyprocterpilates@gmail.com

www.nancyprocterpilates.com

For a brochure please call Jane on 01435 813418 / 07817 429594 or email: janeappleby691@gmail.com

Therapies and treatments available in a quiet and relaxed setting in Horam

Happy New Year !

Is 2023 the year for you to make some changes in your personal life? Our therapists are here to help you reach your health & wellbeing goals

These are some of the wonderful treatments we can offer you :-

♦ The amazing QXED Biofeedback therapy

♦ Hypnotherapy & NLP

♦ Aromatherapy & Massage

♦ Reflexology

♦ Learn relaxation techniques and find a new you

♦ Wonderful Neal’s Yard remedies and products

♦ Beauty treatments using 100% natural products

♦ Holistic therapy and meditations

♦ Kinesiology including food sensitivity testing & advice

♦ Coldwave (low level/healing) laser therapy

And

♦ Weightloss planning with The 1:1 Diet with Cambridge Weight Plan

Give us a call to book something just for you …

All our therapists also offer vouchers which make great birthday gifts if you know someone would like a treat especially for them

Ray Wicker - for all your Double glazing and Carpentry needs!

Double glazing:

• Replacement of windows and doors in UPVC, aluminium and timber.

• Service & repairs to your existing double glazed windows eg replace old misted glass units, replace broken handles, hinges and locks, re-trim and seal old windows.

• Install UPVC fascia, soffit and guttering - full replacment or cap over.

• Install new or replace shiplap cladding in UPVC or timber.

Carpentry:

• Hang doors, fit door liners, architrave, locks, handles skirting etc.

• Custom built in wardrobes/shelves, build flat pack furniture etc.

• Stud walls, insulation board, plasterboard.

• Build garden sheds, summer houses, garden decking etc.

• Fit curtain poles and blinds.

• Replace kitchen/bathroom silicone.

• Install new kitchen carcases, doors etc.

All jobs considered big or small. Please call Ray Wicker on 07960 503844

At Horam Village Hall we offer a warm welcome to everyone celebrating their special occasion . Village halls make the perfect venue - decorate it in your own theme, extend wi th a marquee on to the recreation ground or just add an ice cream van - make it your day! In addition to our usual facilities, we offer a Banqueting Package for an extra charge . This includes all day hire of hall including previous evening for set -up, b anq ueting tables and chairs for 104 persons, white tablecloths, white crockery and cutlery . For more info visit www.horamvillagehall.co.uk to check availability and send a booking request, alternatively call 01435 813295.

H2O

Free!

primary school children and their families aimed at 1st Saturday of every month. 10am-12noon (children need to bring a responsible adult with them)

Different activities, including: Bible stories

Cooking

Craft Snacks and more!

Games

More info:

HORAM PARISH COUNCIL – MARCH 2023

www.horam.com & www.facebook.com/horamvillage

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The Annual Parish Meeting is slightly earlier this year and will be held in West End Christ Church, Horebeech Lane on 15th March at 8pm all are welcome to attend. There will also be a chance to speak to your local Parish and District Councillors. There are plans to update residents on the NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN. Other speakers will include a representative from Sussex Clubs for Young People. The Parish Council are planning to work with them in establishing a Youth Club in the church hall where the meeting is being held tonight so if your youngster plans to attend the Club, this will be your chance to look at the venue and hear about the organisation

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Small victories are always sweet. The refusal by WDC for Clear View Farm Chiddingly Road WD/2022/1781/MAJ is a case in point. Hopefully, when you read this there may be others. District Councillors and Horam Parish Council’s Planning Committee are always pushing back hard on so many of these speculative applications and must get some credit for all their hard work.

DISTRICT AND PARISH ELECTIONS – 4th May

It is important that you have a valid photo ID when you vote in the May elections. This year every voter has to have a valid form of identification.to enable them to vote so don’t miss your opportunity to use your vote. This is also a chance for those who wish to register their interest to stand as candidates

CUCKOO TRAIL

There were early discussions with WDC to upgrade the Cuckoo Trail with some work to improve the platform in Horam. A Master Plan will be published in May/June. This is something HPC is pleased to be involved in.

PURPLE BUS

HPC contract with the “Purple bus” Sussex Club for young people finishes on the 13th Feb. HPC were sole funders of this project. It ran for 16 weeks at a cost of £4,000.

OUTREACH POST OFFICE

The Post Office is proving popular and Christian is very happy with the support and kind words. Councillor Michael Cousins has been fully behind this project and hopes this will continue and maybe look to extend its hours. At present the opening hours are Monday from 10am. to 2pm.

OUR HORAM PCSO – EMAIL ADDRESS

If you wish to bring anything to the attention of our PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) for Horam (Cathy Gilling) please email catherine.gilling@sussex.police.uk. There is a dedicated email address (roads.communications@sussex.police.uk) for reporting instances of speeding. However, for emergencies contact the Police by phoning 999.

PARISH CLERK - can be contacted either by e-mail: clerk@horam.com or 07900 576236. The offices will be open from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE

Since the exhibition/consultation in October last year we have been busy putting your thoughts and ideas into our Neighbourhood Plan.

Due to the local elections necessitating a pause, our next consultation, when we ask for your comments on a full first draft of the Neighbourhood plan, will now take place in late Spring early Summer. This is called Regulation 14.

We will again be launching it in the Village Hall and have a statutory 6-week consultation period to capture your feedback.

Our local elections are on 4th May. The pre-election period starts on 20th March and during the period immediately before elections there are specific restrictions in place on communications activity, including developing new policies and holding of events featuring elected officials.

Shown below is a reminder of the stages we must go through to make a Neighbourhood Plan:

√1 Initial consultation to identify issues, concerns, objectives, and areas of focus for the Neighbourhood Plan. COMPLETED

√2 Collection of ‘evidence’ on the issues and potential options, ideas, and strategies to be progressed through the Plan. COMPLETED

√3

Production of and consultation on emerging policy ideas. COMPLETED

4 Drafting of and formal consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan (known as the Regulation 14 Stage). WHERE WE ARE NOW

5 Updating the Plan in response to consultation, submitting it to the District Council, which must arrange a further, final round of consultation (known as Regulation 16 Stage)

6. Testing of the Plan through an independent examination process.

7. Subjecting the Neighbourhood Plan to a local referendum.

8. Adopting (‘making’) the Neighbourhood Plan as a policy document – if more than 50% of people that turn out vote ‘yes’ at the referendum.

The Neighbourhood Plan page of the Parish Council website (www.horam.com) contains the objectives, a summary of feedback from the exhibition and questionnaire survey last October, as well as two useful reports – on Design and Local Housing Needs - that have been prepared for us.

The consultation period on the draft Plan will be widely publicised in due course, so we can ensure it represents the views of local people as much as possible.

Sue Lane

Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Co-Ordinator.

WHIPLASH INJURY

A sprain of the soft tissues of the neck when they become stretched and damaged. It is common after a car accident when the neck is forcefully thrown forwards, backward, or sideways; the extreme flexion of the neck then whips back in the other direction. It can also occur from a blow to the head during sport or an assault. The cervical spine, or neck, is designed to be flexible and is less protected than the rest of the spine, which leaves it more vulnerable to injury.

Anatomy: The neck consists of 7 cervical vertebrae; the first 2, the atlas, and the axis are shaped differently from the remaining five and allow movement of the skull from side to side, backward, and forward. Between each vertebra are a disc and a nerve exiting from the spine. The neck has many complex muscles and ligaments to allow movement and support. The anterior longitudinal ligament, running along the front of the spine is often injured during whiplash.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, discomfort, and stiffness in the neck area with limited mobility; swelling, muscle spasms, headaches, and pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, and lower back. Less common symptoms include pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the arms and hands, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, poor concentration, memory loss, and irritability. Symptoms may become worse a few hours to a few days later. You will need to seek urgent medical attention if you have more severe symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, ringing in the ears or difficulty breathing.

Causes: Common causes include road traffic accidents and collisions, a blow to the head by a heavy object, during sports or an assault, a slip or fall where the head is jolted backward, head-banging, a roller coaster ride, and bungee jumping. The over-extension and recoil damage ligaments and tendons in the neck. You are more at risk if you are a woman because your neck muscles are often less developed, an athlete, particularly in high-risk sports, you have poor posture or congenital spinal problems; also, if your car head restraints are badly fitted. Complications are more likely if you are over 65, have immediate pain after the injury, have nerve damage or numbness, or are unable to walk or sit down.

Diagnosis: You will need to see your doctor if you have pain and stiffness in the neck, numbness or tingling following a road traffic accident, or impact to the head. The doctor with examine your neck for the range of movement, swelling, tenderness, and damage to muscles, ligaments, and discs, and may also test your reflexes. X-rays, MRI, or a CT scan may be required to rule out more serious injuries, such as a fracture, spinal cord compression, or nerve injury.

Treatment: Self-help includes using ice packs to reduce pain and swelling, heat packs to soothe muscle pain, maintaining a good posture, especially at the computer, avoiding sitting or lying down for long periods, sleeping on your front, or using more than one pillow, a supportive pillow may be helpful. Whiplash is thought to get better on its own in a few weeks or months or after some basic treatment; keeping your neck mobile and continuing with normal activities, specific exercises, and stretches, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen painkillers or something stronger from your doctor if needed. You may be referred to a specialist or pain clinic if the pain persists for a long time.

Osteopathic/Manual Management: Take a detailed case history to understand the nature of the problem and surrounding issues. Examine the neck, shoulders, arms, jaw, and spine and all surrounding tissues; muscles, ligaments, nerves, fascia, etc., for movement, strength, and functionality and assess nerve pathways. Consider the effect of the force of impact on the whole body. Perform orthopaedic and neurological tests. Treat to reduce muscle tension, nerve irritation, and soft tissue pain. Advice regarding specific exercises and stretching the neck and shoulders. Treatment may include manipulation, deep soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques, fascial techniques, dry needling, etc.

A simple exercise to help relieve your neck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2_ scF42GqU&t=5s

We are happy to advise you on your health matters.

Lin Bridgeford DO KFRP MICAK MICRA FSCCO MCMA MSc

Registered Osteopath & Kinesiologist & Senior Yoga Teacher

Master Hypnosis and NLP Practitioner and Trainer

Aether Bios Clinic, Saltdean, 01273 309557 07710 227038

www.osteo-info.co.uk YouTube search Aether Bios OR Lin Bridgeford Instagram linbridgeford https://linbridgeford.wordpress.com contains all my articles as blogs

WINDOW CLEANING

LET US GIVE YOU SQUEAKY CLEAN WINDOWS WITH OUR PURE WATER SYSTEM.

We can clean all of the below up to 60ft.

Windows, solar panels, fascias, soffits & conservatories.

For a free no obligation quotation call or email us today!

DBS Checked and approved.

Telephone Jason 01435 408048 ~ 07739 039944

Email: ascleaning@live.co.uk

ORCHARD FRAMING

www.orchardframing.co.uk

ORCHARD FRAMING BESPOKE FRAMERS

UNIT 4, MERRYDOWN BUSINESS PARK, DISCOVERY WAY, HORAM

( entrance opposite the village hall ) 01435 812075

All framing requirements covered, off the shelf frames and mounts.

Email: info@orchardframing.co.uk Closed Monday.

Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 1pm* 01435 812075

WELL-BEING

We don't just treat backs.....

• Neck & shoulder pain

• Sciatica

• Frozen shoulders & RSI

• Arthritis & joint stiffness

• Headaches & migraines

• Stress/tension

• Sports Injuries

• and much more....

Our Osteopaths are Specialists in:

• Baby, Mum & Child Osteopathy

• Cranial Osteopathy

• Animal Osteopathy

Catherine Hearne BSc (Hons) Ost, Nicola Leonard B.Ost DPO

We are taking all necessary steps to keep our patients and us safe in light of Coronavirus, therefore your appointment may feel a little different if you have visited us before.

Ground floor premises with disabled access. Weekday, early evening & Saturday appointments available.

Call our dedicated booking line below to make an appointment.

Located

v RESIDENTIAL CARE v DAYCARE v RESPITE CARE

‘Our aim is to provide each resident with a caring and secure environment and the means to live life to the full extent, with privacy, independence and dignity’. En suite and garden view rooms available

For enquiries call us on 01435 812170

Vines Cross Road, Horam TN21 0HF

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

Soul, mind & body - True Yoga is a union of all three. Rama has 20yrs experience of teaching Yoga with children and adults.

Both group and private sessions available. Prices start from £15 for small groups, Holmbush house, Hellingly. Contact - 01435 810235 or WhatsApp +38 06776 71331.

Curtains, Blinds & Soft Furnishings

Call 07899 780145 or email: shcurtains@gmail.com

Tailor made service to suit your needs & budget Using your fabric or mine. Poles & tracks supplied & fitted. Full range of linings & interlining.

Alterations & renovations of preloved curtains. Professional, reliable service direct from an experienced local maker.

Helpkeepyourhomewarmthiswinterwithbespokecurtains&blinds.

Kate Raven PROFESSIONAL CURTAIN MAKER

ALSO: BLINDS, CUSHIONS, CURTAINS, PELMETS, SWAGS AND TAILS. Tracks and poles supplied and fitted. Private tuition available.

KATE RAVEN - 07967 828389

PROFESSIONAL CURTAIN MAKER TO THE TRADE FOR 30 YEARS

Sharon Hamby

SERVICES

USEFUL CONTACTS

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Explorer, Paul Sutton, 01435 813023/07803 051048. Bowling Club, Alan Archer, 01435 865536.

Cross In Hand Bridge Club, Jan Moore, 01435 863001.

Heathfield & Horam Football Club, Becki Chiweda 07366 034310. Brownies, Mary Jones, 07814 373402.

Christ Church Fellowship, Pamela Blakey, 01435 810348.

Dementia Supper Clubs, Lyn Leeves, 07740 338120.

Diamond Dance, Lizzie Owen, 01435 812543/07985 306178.

Eastbourne & District Canine Society, Mrs Chris Cleland, 01323 506151.

Heathfield Choral Society, Chris Thompson, 01323 833921, chairman@heathfieldchoral.org.uk

Heathfield & District Horticultural Society, Nick Jeggo, 01435 830725.

Heathfield Folk & Dance Club, Joy Charlesworth, 01435 873551, sec@heathfieldfolk.org.uk

Heathfield Food & Wine Circle, Lorraine Cooley, 01435 812704.

Heathfield Road Runners, Fleur Blanford, 01435 812926, info@heathfieldroadrunners.com

Heathfield Bridge Club, Richard Gatwood, 01323 764384.

Heathfield Repair Cafe https://www.facebook.com/Repair_Cafe_TN21 or email us at heathfieldrepaircafe@outlook.com

Heathfield Silver Band, Mallory Hansford, 01435 862398, mallory@heathfieldsilverband.org

Horam Christian Care Group to Ann Procter 01435 812157.

Horam Parish Allotment Society, Rebecca Landau-Wildy, 01435 813085.

Horam Parish Council, Horam Centre, Sally Blades, 01435 812151, (Tues, Thurs & Fri morn).

Horam Flower Show, Dave Cooley on 01435 812704

Horam Fun Day, Dave Sutton, 01435 812462/07889 652586.

Horam Guides, Jo Sutton, 01435 813023.

Horam & Heathfield Flower Club, Phyllis Stevens, 01435 863224.

Horam Pre-school, Angela Wood, 01435 813295.

Horam Tennis Club, Sara Goodacre, 07484 121445, horamtennisclub@gmail.com.

Horam Residents Group, Lucy Atabey, 01435 812153.

Horam Toddlers, Gill Delves, 01435 408405.

Horam Village Hall. For hire or information call Angela Wood on 01435 813295.

Horam WI, Kim Dunn, 01435 813942.

Manor Oak Surgery, 01435 812323. Out of hours Doctor, Between 8-8.30am 01825 732 333 & 6-6.30pm 0300 5555 252.

Non emergency medical, 111.

Non emergency police, 101.

Oxney Vines Cross Tug @ War, Mike Hutch, 07850 382619. Pottery Club, Sue Ramsay-Smith, 01435 810390.

Rainbows, Brenda Macklin, 01435 812018.

RSPCA, 0300 1234 999.

Vines Cross Bonfire Society, Mark Woods, 07976 426286.

Vines Cross Community Association (VCCA) Ian Evans 07867 553440

Wealden Youth Choir, Tea Killick, 07808 222535.

Welcome Art Group, Lee Smith, 01435 862110.

• Curtains • Blinds

• Tracks & Poles

• Soft Furnishings

Free local measuring service

_________________

Tel: 01435 812768

email: flo.landais@icloud.com

l Curtains

l Blinds

l Tracks & Poles

l Soft Furnishings

Free local measuring service

Tel: 01435 812768

email: flo.landais@icloud.com

Here is a proof of your advertisement which will appear in this edition of Your Please check carefully. If you wish to amend your advertisemnt in any way, please Your Little Black Book is produced in association with Page to Page Design Studio. Contact by e-mail: pagetopage7@gmail.com or telephone: 01435 868300.

FULLY INSURED FULLY INSURED

We will proceed to publish as shown above unless we receive any amendments Thursday 18th October 2018

Thank you for advertising in Your Little Black Book.

Motor Services

Offering a friendly service with over 20 years experience.

Date Proofed: 09.03.18

Car & trailer servicing, repairs & M.O.T’s.

Remarks:

TRAILER HIRE AVAILABLE. Car trailers, box trailers & horse boxes.

• Collection & delivery service.

FREE within a 5 mile radius from garage.

• Courtesy car available if required.

Date Passed:

01435 408568

• Mini service.

• Full service.

• Diagnostics

• Holiday check from £20.

• Winter check from £20.

• Clutches, exhausts & brakes.

PLEASE NOTE

Follow the road out of Horam High Street to Maynards Green, turn left at the oast house Unit 18, Bridge Farm, Horam, East Sussex, TN21 0BP

If you are considering new copy or illustration changes, please forward Tuesday 16th October, otherwise your advertisement will printed as

SUSSEX FREE RANGE EGGS

Buy from the hens at Riverside Farm, Laundry Lane, Vines Cross. Also available at Pomfrets Butchers, Spar Broad Oak & Davies & Son.

Tel 01435 812588

CONSUMER ADVICE: KEEP REFRIGERATED AFTER PURCHASE

Riverside Farm, Laundry Lane, Vines Cross, East Sussex TN21 9ED

Egg stamping explanation

0 = Organic, 1 = Free Range, 2 = Barn, 3 = Cage, UK = Origin, 99999 = Producer ID

"

March is one of the busier months of the year in the garden and it is a good thing to be kept busy during the long gloom of Lent.

The planting of deciduous trees, shrubs, fruits and roses should be completed as soon as possible to give them a chance to get a grip of the soil before drought may punish them. In a warm sheltered border we may be planting evergreens such as Laurels, conifers, hollies, azaleas and rhododendrons. Most herbaceous perennials can also be planted now. Rose pruning should be carried on and finished by the Ides, subject to the weather; better not to prune during a period of heavy frost. Hybrid tea roses may be pruned back to five or so buds with all sickly and dead wood cut away. Climbing roses should have their side branches cut back to two buds. It is worth feeding the roses with a dedicated rose fertiliser now as the leaves are making their first appearance and spraying with a fungicide from now until June should keep the leaves looking clean all season. Unlike most bulbous-rooted plants, snowdrops will benefit from being lifted and divided every few years as the clumps can become over- crowded, leading to a mass of blind shoots. In the vegetable garden we should be aiming first at the creation of the all-important fine tilth. As always, the weather is master/mistress. The soil should be visibly drying; better to wait until the end of the month or beyond before sowing a seed if there is any hint of stickiness. The reader will have dug over the plot thoroughly last autumn, digging in barrowfuls of ungulate droppings, compost, shoddy and celebrity magazines. The floods and gales of winter will have weathered the diggings down to an uneven crumbly surface. Patient raking eventually renders our seed bed smooth and fine, air pockets being trodden out as we go. We might allow ourselves five minutes leaning on the rake indulging in a short pipe and a gloat over our seed bed, well prepared and superior to next door's. Only now may we sow The first sowings may be of peas, leeks, parsnips (always use new seed), broad beans, parsley, spinach and radishes, onion and shallot sets may be planted nearer the end of the month, a trowel is better than a dibber for these as any compaction encourages them to wriggle free of the ground. Garlic may still be planted but no time should be lost. New beds of Thyme, Tarragon, Mint and other herbs may be planted out towards the middle of Lent. Early potatoes to go in around St.Patrick's Day, six inches down, these early plantings will run some risk from frost but it is good to see the neat rows of tight foliage as soon as possible and any frost-blackened shoots will soon be replaced. The older gardening books advised to carry around a bale of straw at all times during March and early April to spread over tender shoots in the case of a late frost.

For those who commune with the moon and garden by her phases and the biodynamic system of lunar planting, root crops to be planted or sown during the waning gibbous, from the 7th to the 21st.

As many mists as ye have in March, so many frosts in May "

The rows for runner beans may be prepared now, this should involve digging in barrowfuls of compost or horsey stuff a foot and a half down and allowed to settle down over the next six to eight weeks before sowing.

After such exercises in self-sufficiency we may repair to the shed to indulge yet another self-satisfied long pipe and a leisurely rumination over the coming vernal equinox when all the denizens of the planet go about their business under a day and night of equal length across the globe.

RIVER MEAD NURSERY

Foords Lane, Vines Cross, Horam, East Sussex TN21 9HB

Telephone No. 01435 813353 Email – info@rivermeadnursery.co.uk

Website - www.rivermeadnursery.co.uk

We have a wide selection of plants:Bedding Plants, Herbs, Vegetable Plants, Perennials, Shrubs, Fruit Bushes, Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees, Grasses, Cacti, Agaves. Also available –

Home grown produce (seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruit, cut flowers and eggs).

Opening Times: Winter 9am-dusk Monday - Saturday

Heathfield & Horam Repair Café: Next session on 11 March.

We meet on the second Saturday of every month (except August), 9:30 am – 12 noon, Horam Village Hall, A267, Horam TN21 0JE

We hope to see you! Help us preserve our environment and dent our throw-away culture. Everyone is welcome and all services are free, but donations are welcome. Yummy home-baked cakes and refreshments while you wait!

https://www.facebook.com/RepairCafeTN21

https://sites.google.com/view/heathfieldrepaircafe/home?pli=1

On most occasions we will be able to repair: Computers ~ Electrical items ~ Cycles ~ Minor mechanical problems ~ Furniture ~ Small Sewing repairs

WHAT’S ON IN THE COMMUNITY

We had a very exciting visitor to Young at Heart, Andrew Blackman, The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex. Mr Blackman had heard about our intergenerational program and chose to visit, to see us in action. We were also joined by representatives from Support with Confidence, our local GP Prescriber, Care for the Carers, Little Tinkers Nursery School who also support The Mens Sheds project and the Headmaster of Dallington School whose children joined us in the afternoon. Our guests joined us for lunch and then witnessed our Club members being paired up with children from Dallington Primary School to be heard to read and share their workbooks. Some of the children volunteered to read poetry they’d written on “The River”. Outstanding achievements for 7 & 8 yr olds. Their confidence and enthusiasm was infectious! A thoroughly enjoyable day had by all and in Mr Blackman’s words, “a real pleasure to see Young at Heart in action”. Nobody should be lonely. Please contact Rachel Gibson if you have a friend or relative who might be interested? Tel: 07971032667. Kindly sponsored by Wealden Funeral Services and Trevaskis Consulting Ltd.

HEATHFIELD COMMUNITY CLUB

Tree Surgery Hedge Cutting Hedge Laying

Tel 01435 868836

Mobile 07885 950755

Company Established 25 yrs. Fully Insured. NCH ARB Approved - ARB Approved N.C.T.P Certified

We are very lucky to have such an amazing charity locally that cares for our wildlife. WRAS are always grateful for donations of towels, pillow slips, blankets and cat food. These items can be left at: Unit 8, The Shaw Barn, Whitesmith, BN8 6JD.

Why not visit their charity shop in Eastbourne? 01323 643111. Any animal in trouble call 0781 50 78234, for anything else call 01825 873003.

We believe that the most important people are your loved ones, and we would be honoured to look after them. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, respectful and affordable funeral services - whatever your chosen funeral